Wales' war dead commemorated at Cardiff Castle ceremony

A service to remember those Wales’ war dead marked the opening of the Welsh Field of Remembrance.

The official opening of the Welsh National Field of Remembrance created by The Royal British Legion

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A service to remember those Wales’ war dead marked the opening of the Welsh Field of Remembrance.

The ceremony began with a Welsh Guard procession along the fields of crosses in Cardiff, followed by a two-minute silence in memory of servicemen and women who died in the armed forces.

More than 15,000 crosses, each marked by a poppy, were planted in the grounds at Cardiff Castle, which is one of six Fields of Remembrance in the UK.

Royal Welsh Major James Waters, 32, said he would remember those who gave their lives throughout history as well as soldiers he knew personally.

“I’ve done two tours of Iraq and Afghanistan so I will think of those I went through training with who were killed in Afghanistan.

“It’s important to remember not just our own soldiers and not just those in Iraq but all soldiers from all nations who lost their lives in duty,” he said.

Air Commodore Adrian Williams, decorated with an OBE medal and a Queen’s jubilee medal, also said he would think of those he had served with.

“Service in armed forces does have risks as does flying, so there are a few people I will think of today.

“I’m Welsh and I think it’s very nice we do a Welsh garden of remembrance for reflecting and to thank the sacrifice of many people over many years”, said the senior RAF officer.

As part of the service, the Rev Stuart Lisk read a dedication to “all who have died in war in the two world wars, all conflicts since, and those who have died in the last year”.

The dedication and two-minute silence were followed by the first Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, who led the Welsh Anthem, and John Farmer, the National Chairman of the British Legion, who led the National anthem.

A sense of sadness remembering those who had passed was mixed with a strong sense of support for the British forces.

John Adams, whose 21-year-old son died in Afghanistan three years ago, said the Field of Remembrance made him proud to be British.

“The word hero is used too frequently. People say footballers and rugby players are heroes but the people who gave us freedom and lost their lives in war are the true heroes”, said the 69-year-old from Cwmbran.

Others remembered those who served in the two World Wars and died many years ago.

Mr Cassley, from Cardiff, said: “I went into the Navy in 1941 and Alfie, my next door neighbour, went into the Army. But Alfie didn’t come back.

“He died in 1944. He went through the war but was killed right at the end.”

John Farmer, national chairman of the British Legion, said he was proud of public support for servicemen and women.

He said: “To me it means a great deal. A few years ago the armed forces couldn’t go out in uniform but today the public have taken them to their hearts.

“Today we remember all those who have given their lives so we can live in security and freedom.”

Retired veterans who served in the Suez Crisis and Gulf War looked back on memories while young servicemen paid respect to those who went before them

Rhydian Edwards, 25, said his training to fly helicopters for the navy would prepare him for any risks.

“There’s aspects of danger in all jobs but the training we receive trains us as best as you can.

“I could end up going to Afghanistan or do anti-drugs work in the Caribbean or go to Somalia and South Africa for anti-piracy,” said the Naval Lieutenant, who is training with the Wales University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) in Penarth.